(@AndroUser) **He leaves the dining room. The house bustles with staff. The air still feels stormy to him, though the clouds have not amassed overhead by the time he gets out into the grounds
* Morgan heads towards the guard house
(@AndroUser) **He spots Claudia wandering around the perimeter of the house
* Morgan changes direction to encounter her
* @Claudia spots him, coming over
(@Claudia) Good morning
(Morgan) Good morning Claudia. How goes it?
(@Claudia) There's rumours amongst the staff that your cousin has been arrested for murder and attempted murder *she looks fairly neutral. He hasn't had time to tell her and sorgi*
* Morgan nods
* @Claudia shrugs a little. Her voice is quiet
(@Claudia) I always knew she was a bit crazy
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she makes me look entirely normal
* @Claudia smiles
(@Claudia) You won't be the black sheep any more I suppose
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) small miracles I suppose
* @Claudia nods, looking around
(@Claudia) Storm is coming
(Morgan) smells like it, aye
(@Claudia) A couple of hours off yet, I'd reckon
(Morgan) agreed
* @Claudia looks at him
(@Claudia) You have any orders for me?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) nothing particularly
* @Claudia watches him
(@Claudia) You want company?
(Morgan) I wouldn't say no
* @Claudia nods. She waves over a servant, asking her to tell Sorgi she'll be back later to swap duties with him. The servant goes
(@Claudia) So, where are we going?
(Morgan) to see my cousin
* @Claudia adjusts her sword belt, carrying an old favourite as well as the one heinzharold made her
(@Claudia) Sounds like my sort of morning
* @Claudia grins
(Morgan) it may or may not go well
* @Claudia shrugs
(@Claudia) Is she likely to be difficult?
(Morgan) you need to ask?
* @Claudia laughs
(@Claudia) Is she likely to be worse than normal?
(Morgan) I would've imagined so
(@Claudia) I suppose it'd be frowned upon to hit a prisoner...
(Morgan) probably
* @Claudia nods. She walks beside him along the route, relaxed but observant.
(@Claudia) Is it a social call?
(Morgan) not exactly. There's a promise I need to keep
* @Claudia nods
(@Claudia) Alright
(@Claudia) **they continue to walk to the guardhouse by the bank of the Sudlache. The air feels more stormy here. The wide expanse of still water reflects the gunmetal grey of the sky, dracheneisen colour clouds building in the south
* @Claudia walks along with him.  There's something satisfyingly familiar about walking into an unknown situation with her next to him

* Claudia looks around, surveying the small house to the left, the wooden boardwalk straight ahead, and the edge of the Sudlache to the right. There are no visible guards, though she senses being watched. Nothing in her body language gives away her awareness of observers, but there's a slight gesture to Morgan &we're being watched&
* @Morgan nods slightly

(AndroUser2) [20:34] (Claudia) **The Sudlache laps at the bank. It is bright, as silvery as the leaves on Faulk's tree, reflecting the deepening storm clouds above. The air begins to feel tighter, fidgety somehow. Two men appear on the boardwak from the house. They appear to be gardeners, casual, a bit muddy. One carries a rake
* @Morgan pays close attention to their hands
* AndroUser2 drops back slightly, looking around.  Their hands are very clean for gardeners.
* @Morgan puts a hand on his hip, near his sword
** Claudia has quit (Ping timeout: 264 seconds)
(AndroUser2) G1: *He waves enthusiastically* Good morning!
(AndroUser2) G2: *he tilts his chin up in greeting. His hand is relaxed on the rake*
* @Morgan nods slightly
(@Morgan) gentlemen
(AndroUser2) G1: *He watches Morgan. Though his expression  is relaxed and friendly, his eyes are a fraction more watchful than one would expect* Are you here to buy some vegetables? His Grace grows wonderful turnips
(@Morgan) No, we're not
(AndroUser2) G2: *he watches Claudia*
(AndroUser2) G1: Are you lost? Many people take the wrong path
(@Morgan) does this act normally work?
(AndroUser2) G1: Dunno what you're talking about I'm afraid. Any ideas, Kole? *He looks to the other gardener who shrugs*
(@Morgan) As you wish. I'm here to see the prisoner
(AndroUser2) G1: Well, then you'll need to know the password, see?
(@Morgan) there isn't one
(AndroUser2) G1: Nah, of course there is! Be pretty useless guards if we just let anyone in without a password!
(AndroUser2) Kole: Be helpful if 'is Grace stopped using his kid's name though!
(AndroUser2) G1: *He shakes his head in exasperation*
(@Morgan) Gentlemen, I've neither the time nor inclination for this charade
(AndroUser2) G1: Just tell us the password and we'll be on our way
(@Morgan) I've already said there isn't one. 
(AndroUser2) *they look at each other with a little nod, then bow to Morgan* Very good, my Lord, please follow us.
* @Morgan nods
(AndroUser2) **They lead him to the house, unlocking the door. Inside it's clearly a prison
(AndroUser2) G1: Sorry it takes so long, my Lord, but security is important
(@Morgan) of course
(@Morgan) might I make a suggestion?
(AndroUser2) G1: *he nods*
(@Morgan) get some dirt on your hands... they're far too clean, its an obvious give away
(AndroUser2) G1: *He looks shocked* I hadn't even thought of that! Thank you, my Lord
(AndroUser2) G1: So you're here to see the Grafin?
(@Morgan) I'm here to take her for a walk
(AndroUser2) G1: *He unlocks another door, and leads Morgan down a hall. The next room is barred, and he can see Alarice sat on a pallet bed, head in her hands
(AndroUser2) Here she is, my Lord. *he unlocks the door, opening it. Alarice doesn't look up*
(@Morgan) Come on Alarice, lets take a walk
** You're now known as Alarice
* Alarice looks genuinely surprised by his presence.  She rises slowly. She keeps her eyes downcast, though he can still see the insomnia-darkened circles beneath them
(Alarice) Good morning, cousin *her voice is soft, sad, hoarse from crying*
(@Morgan) Come along, lets get you outside
* Alarice follows along behind him, remaining placid with downcast eyes. As he approaches Claudia, he sees her look at Alarice. Her unguarded expression shows a mix of distaste and skepticism
* @Morgan leads the way outside
(Alarice) **the air now feels prickly. He knows it is likely to be very intense when it eventually breaks. It's unnaturally warm**
* Alarice looks up at the sky a moment, pensive. Claudia leans nonchalantly against the wall of the house, watching Morgan for any gestures or instructions
* @Morgan stops near the water
* Alarice again drops her gaze, unspeaking
* @Morgan watches her for a moment
* Alarice looks up at him. Her expression is one of intense contrition
(Alarice) Have-... Have you come to help me, cousin?
(@Morgan) No. I've come to fulfil a promise I made
* Alarice looks a bit confused
(Alarice) A promise to whom?
(@Morgan) To you.
* Alarice watches him as if assessing him. She smiles softly. Something about it needles him, though he can't place why
(Alarice) Oh?
* @Morgan glances briefly at Claudia
* Alarice body languages changes, the set of her shoulders, her hips, the tilt of her head
(Alarice) *Claudia runs her forehead, trying not to laugh
(Alarice) Rubs*
(@Morgan) I told you that if you spoke of Dietlinde again...
(Alarice) What promise did you make to me, cousin? *her voice is low, soft, almost playful. He realises why it grates on him. All these mannerisms she's suddenly displaying, her tone of voice, are Molly's mannerisms and tone*
* Alarice again watches him closely. It's clear she's a little unsure of what tactic to use. She bites the left hand side of her lower lip, just as Molly does when she's thoughtful or unsure
* @Morgan waits
(Alarice) I apologise for upsetting you, dear cousin *the cadence of her voice is irritating in its mimicry as she delivers "dear cousin in exactly the same tone as Molly says "liebes herz"
(@Morgan) You haven't upset me... do you remember what I promised you?
* Alarice forces a blush and a look of affection
(Alarice) I am afraid I do not
(@Morgan) Then allow me to remind you... I said I'd throw you in the Sudlach
* Alarice smiles warmly
(Alarice) We all speak words in haste, dear cousin
(@Morgan) I... Dont.
(Alarice) You are being too hasty. Come, let us make amends
* @Morgan smiles broadly
* Alarice smiles in response. She touches her lower lip, as Molly always has when recalling kissing him, a special gesture. The glint in Alarice's eyes shows that she is willingly exploiting it
(Alarice) *Claudia looks very much like she's considering doing a wealth of Eisen things to Alarice. He notices she's touching the part of her arm that Molly healed
* @Morgan places a hand on Alarice's arm, smiling
(@Morgan) You're very very good Alarice
(@Morgan) Sadly, I don't care
* @Morgan shoves her towards the water
* Alarice falls off the boardwalk, not anticipating it,  and into the Sudlache. It's around eight feet deep here at a guess
* @Morgan glances at Claudia briefly before back to Alarice
(Alarice) *Claudia grins with satisfaction
* Alarice shrieks and splutters and generally causes as much of scene as possible
(Alarice) **The guards appear at the door
* @Morgan looks at the guard
(@Morgan) I _think_ she's trying to escape... but I could be wrong
(Alarice) **the guards nod, running over and pulling her from.the water. Unsurpringly, her behaviour is even worse on dry land, screaming, kicking as they restrain her with rope.
(@Morgan) Thank you for your time gentlemen... remember what I said about the hands, yes?
(Alarice) **they nod
* @Morgan looks to Claudia
* Alarice looks at him,eyes glittering and hard like polished sapphires
(Alarice) Morgan Adalbrecht Koertig, you will live to regret what you just did.
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I didn't marry you, so I'm probably fairly safe
* Alarice eyes narrow. She vibrates with raw anger. It occurs to him how deeply genuine it looks on her, as if her true nature is revealed
(Alarice) You will never be truly safe again.
* @Morgan 's eyes go flat, shoulders setting in a manner similar to when he faced monsters
(Alarice) **in the distance, there is the faintest roll of thunder, ominous
(@Morgan) More dangerous creatures than you have tried to end me, Alarice. Don't make me react to you the way I reacted to them.
* Alarice stares right back at him icily
(Alarice) The difference Is, they tried to end _you_. I could destroy you far more painfully than your own death.
* @Morgan moves towards her
(@Morgan) and you'll wish the hounds of hell catch you before I did
(Alarice) We shall see, won't we.
(@Morgan) I'll see you at your hanging, Alarice
* @Morgan turns away from her
(Alarice) I very much doubt that.
* @Morgan turns slightly
(@Morgan) I never said it would be your punishment... but you'll hang.
(Alarice) You threaten me?
* @Morgan shrugs, walking away
(Alarice) I _will_ destroy You, even if it kills me.
* @Morgan calls over his shoulder, still walking
(@Morgan) it will, Alarice, it will.
* Alarice screams obscenities at him as he walks away
* @Morgan waves over his head, continuing to walk
(Alarice) *Claudia falls into step at his side, speaking quietly
(Alarice) Any orders?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) between you and Sorgi, I want that place watched. I want to know if she has any other visitors, official or otherwise
(Alarice) C: *She nods* starting now?
(@Morgan) right this moment
(Alarice) **As they get out of sight of the guards and Alarice, Claudia slips between two bushes and disappears into the grounds of the guardhouse, leaving Morgan alone
* @Morgan heads straight back to the main house
(Alarice) **By the time he gets back, the storm has broken. Lightening flashes wildly, and thunder rolls and cracks above his head. A superstitious whisper in his blood makes it feel more ominous than it would to anyone born outside Sudlachenburg. He gets inside safely
(Alarice) He's quickly pointed to the library. Before he even opens the door, he can hear Molly's genuine laughter, and smell freshly made Cafe Kaffee coffee.
* @Morgan frowns slightly before banging on the door
(Alarice) Faulk: Come in
* @Morgan pushes the door open
** You're now known as Faulk
* Faulk and Molly both look relaxed, pleased to see him, drinking coffee companionably.  Her hair is half down, curls cascading brightly over her pale pink dress. She looks healthy and happy. Faulk looks jovial as ever, the tightness from earlier gone
(Faulk) Good morning again
(Faulk) *Molly smiles warmly, but clearly checks his boots for wetness before looking at his expression
* @Morgan rolls his shoulders, scowling
(Faulk) **both of them look surprised. Molly looks at him with deep concern, offering him coffee
* @Morgan takes the coffee, sipping it before wincing
(Faulk) What is the matter?
(@Morgan) I've been to see my cousin, as we discussed. She's vowed to destroy me if it kills her, and she knows that the only way to do that is through Molly. She's not going to stop. I don't think she even knows how to.
* Faulk nods, his expression as cool and contained as one would expect from an Eisenfurst
(Faulk) That will not be allowed
(@Morgan) just as murder is not allowed... and yet...
(Faulk) **Molly doesn't react at all.
(Faulk) She is not going to get away with murder. Not at all.
* Faulk looks at Morgan, briefly at Molly, before looking at Morgan
(Faulk) I am going to need to send a rider to Sudlachenburg. Your father needs to be involved.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I think that best
(Faulk) **Molly is deep in thought, but has that neutral expression she used around Jaeger . He senses that he could break into those thoughts if he tried, but it'd take effort and conventration
(Faulk) He cannot find out after events have taken place. I cannot have bad blood between myself and one of my Grafs
* @Morgan nods
(Faulk) What do you anticipate she will do?
(@Morgan) She'll try to have Molly and possibly Varick harmed... she's already tried to kill Molly once
* Faulk nods
(Faulk) We shall have extra guards here and at the guardhouse.
* Faulk looks at them both. He frowns looking at Molly's sheer lack of expression and engagement, then looks back to Morgan
(Faulk) The konigsreich will do what it can for you. What do you want?
(@Morgan) I think any leniency because of her position or relation would be a mistake
* Faulk looks at Morgan frankly
(Faulk) She is a danger. There is no leniency for her.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) she's far more dangerous than I am, she's cruel
* Faulk looks up a moment before looking back at her coffee
(Faulk) **Molly *
* Faulk nods
(Faulk) The more I hear, the more I suspect there is much evil in her
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I'm inclined to agree
* Faulk looks at the clock
(Faulk) Is there anything else you want or need?
(@Morgan) I need a tree you're not overly attached to
* Faulk smiles slightly
(Faulk) Any of them that aren't a silvery colour
* @Morgan nods
* Faulk looks at Morgan
(Faulk) Do you want to ride to your father yourself?
* @Morgan looks to Molly
(Faulk) **she doesn't look up. She's sat so still, so focused in her thoughts he can't even read an expression on her face, can hardly see her breathe
(@Morgan) perhaps
* Faulk looks between the two, rising
(Faulk) I need to arrange some things. I'll give you half an hour to talk it ober
(Faulk) Over *
(Faulk) **Molly rises as is the polite custom, surprising as she seemed so far away
* @Morgan nods
* Faulk inclines his head, leaving the room. She sits automatically. Still she doesn't look up. She speaks quietly
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) It is your choice, liebling. Ride out if you need or wish to, or remain if you prefer. I shall support you in whichever you choose.
(@Morgan) Don't shut me out Molly, I need you to talk to me
* Molly nods, and guilt fills the gap in her expression where neutrality had been. She holds out her hands to him.
(Molly) I am sorry, you deserve better than that
* @Morgan takes her hands
* Molly looks up at him
(Molly) Can I aid you in any way?
(@Morgan) I need to know what you're thinking
* Molly audibly winces, looking away
* Molly stands up. She doesn't let go of his hands
(Molly) Can I tell you what I am thinking in the logical, rational parts of me only?
* @Morgan frowns
* Molly inhales sharply at his expression
(Molly) That part of me, the sensible part, says send Claudia and Sorgi on our palaminos. They are fast, and Claudia and Sorgi can handle anything they meet on the way.
* Molly watches his reaction in detail.
(@Morgan) makes sense I suppose
(Molly) You going will serve to ease the frustration for you of waiting here whilst your father is fetched, but will you make any better speed than them? Will it really be any better for him to hear it from you?
(@Morgan) I suppose not
* Molly looks at him solemnly
(Molly) But if that is your wish, go, and I will be right here when you return
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) No, we'll send Sorgi
* Molly nods. The solemnity remains.
(Molly) Then that is how it shall be
* Molly loosens her grip on his hands, preparing to move away